10 Million Indians Say 'Yes, We Can' at CoP15

Commitment by

Centre for Social Markets

In 2008, the Centre for Social Markets (CSM) committed to reach more than 10 million Indians with a positive message on climate change by encouraging a pledge for personal action and national leadership. The objective of this commitment is to send a clear signal to the Government of India that ordinary Indians are taking action on climate change and expect the government to demonstrate leadership on issues related to climate change.

Tabs

Commitment

Launched

2008

Est. Duration

1 year

Estimated Total Value

$250,000

Region

Asia,
Europe,
Northern America

Countries

INDIA,
UNITED KINGDOM,
United States

Commitment by

Centre for Social Markets

Details

This effort will build on a strong national base already established by CSM during the course of its award-winning national mobilization campaign, Climate Challenge India. By the end of 2009, CSM expects to send 10 million pledges for personal and organizational action on climate change to the Govt of India. The impact will be for the first time to provide the Govt with a mandate for leadership. This is more than it has received so far with negotiations that have occurred largely in secrecy and without the benefit of stakeholder engagement or public scrutiny.
The commitment entails reaching out to more than 10 million Indians - both in India as well as across the Indian Diaspora, specifically in countries such as the UK and USA - with an invitation to take a pro-active pledge on climate action. The objective will be to sign-up at least 10 Million Indians (from India and the Diaspora) to the Pledge and to send the number of ''pledgees' to the Government of India as it begins preparations for the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP15) climate talks in Copenhagen in Dec 2009. The objective will be to show the Government the extent of support that there is for a pro-climate leadership agenda in India. Rather than wait for others to act, it will demonstrate the millions who are ready to take ownership of the problem and act now in our long-term interest.
It is hoped that this will fundamentally impact the politics at COP15 - which so far have been marked by a Government rejecting leadership and waiting for the 'rich world' to act before India has to. With under 10 years to make a difference on climate change, 'politics as usual' must now become as unacceptable as 'business as usual'.
CSM's Commitment to Action will show that Indians are demanding leadership on climate change and are willing to make a difference. This should embolden the Government to take its lead from the people and lead the world onto the path to climate recovery at COP15.

Background

2009 will be a key year for India. The country will go to the polls and India could be a key deal-maker or a deal-breaker at the UN climate talks (COP15) in Copenhagen in December 2009. If the world is to agree to a new international framework on climate change, India's role could be decisive. It is essential therefore that India's negotiators are given a mandate for leadership. This will only happen if the issue is brought into the fray in the elections and mass awareness-raising conducted. CSM's Commitment to Action is to reach more than 10 million Indians with a positive message on climate change. The Centre for Social Markets commits to engaging 10 million Indian in a pledge for personal action and national leadership. The objective will be to send a clear signal to the Government of India that ordinary Indians are taking action on climate change and expect the government to exert leadership at the climate talks.

Partnership Opportunities

SEEKING: media and marketing assistance. CSM would like to increase the reach of the climate change message. The organization is seeking assistance in recruiting some celebrity endorsements in India that would help organization generate excitement aroun